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The Ark

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The Ark

Diamond Harbour, Canterbury


The Ark is located in Purau Bay on Diamond Harbour, only a 45-minute drive to Christchurch City.

When owners, Steve and Wendy purchased an overgrown piece of land on the edge of the harbour, they were surprised to find the wooden hull of an old boat buried beneath the tangled blackberry. This provided the inspiration for what is now 'The Ark' - an off-grid, land-based Ark-style cabin - sitting 15 metres from the edge of the water.

The Ark consists of a simple one-room cabin with a queen-size bed, a kitchen and a seating area with an eco bio-fuel pot belly fire. The toilet is a separate building a few steps from the cabin door. The shower and bath are both outdoors - perfect for soaking up the views and those 'camping' vibes.

If the ocean is where you find peace, you will love the outlook from the Ark. Watch the comings and goings of the boats and the action of the busy harbour while you enjoy a coffee on the deck. A two-minute walk down the steps takes you to your own piece of the bay, perfect for that morning dip!

Breathe in the fresh sea air and enjoy the simple and relaxing life of off-grid living. Wake to the sunrise reflecting off the water - and go to sleep with the sound of the waves lapping at the rocks below.

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Eating and drinking near Escape

EATING AND DRINKING

The Ark is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the facilities provided in your kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

If you want a meal out, your hosts recommend Two Thumb Brewing Co. offers craft beer and delicious food and pizza for dinner! A few more options include Salt Takeaways for classic Kiwiana fish and chips, DiamondHarbour Eatery & Bar for Indian and kiwi meals (and icecream!) All these eating spots are located 5 minutes away.

The nearest store for stocking up on food and supplies is the 4 Square supermarket at Diamond Harbour.

Things to do near Escape

THINGS TO DO

A two minute walk down the steps takes you to your own piece of the bay, perfect for that morning dip.

The coastal walk is a picturesque track from Purau to Diamond Harbour Cafe and Wharf. You can jump on the track just below the Ark. It's about 40 mins walk to get to the cafe for your coffee and ice cream reward. The track is fairly well maintained in summer.

The beach is a 10-minute walk and is best for swimming at full or half tide. If you've bought your kayak with you this is the place to launch it. It is possible to launch a kayak from the Ark, but the steps are step and you'll find it challenging to get it up and down from the water.

The area has a variety of nature walks, swimming and fishing spots and historical places to visit. There's also the Charteris Bay Golf Club, tennis at Orton Bradley Park, Airborn Paddle Hire and horse trekking available close by.

The Black Cat ferry offers a very pleasant 10-minute ferry ride from Diamond Harbour to Lyttelton. This small village boasts quaint shops, restaurants, bars, a theatre, and a popular Saturday market.

Your hosts at Escape

YOUR HOSTS

Your hosts at The Ark are Steve, Wendy, and Tintin the dog.

When owners, Steve and Wendy purchased the land in 2017, it was overgrown and wild. After clearing some blackberry - they discovered the wooden hull of an old boat. This provided the inspiration for an ark-style cabin which they built on top of the old hull.

The couple are both very talented creators, with Steve working as a sculptor and Wendy, as an artist. The Ark has had plenty of their combined creative talents poured into its creation.

They holidayed in their little off-grid haven, before eventually building a slightly bigger bach on the neighbouring property.

Steve and Wendy love spending time at Purau Bay. They love the fresh sea air, the walks, the boats, the ocean, and the morning sunshine sparkling on the water. They look forward to sharing the magic of the area with you!

TESTIMONIALS

“ Peace and quiet. Lots of detail in the accommodation. Very well thought out. Loved being able to walk on the track to Diamond Harbour. ”

Ruth Love-Smith- 2025-01-20

20 / 20

“ Beautiful area great to escape reality and relax. Also very central if you want to be adventurous and hit up Lyttelton and Akaroa. ”

Lucas Mcintyre- 2026-04-29

1 / 20

“ The Ark is a beautiful, relaxing haven! From sunrise showers and coastal walks, to baths at sunset with fish and chips from five minutes up the road. It has everything you need for a peaceful, off-grid experience to escape from it all! ”

Adele Price- 2026-04-23

2 / 20

“ Highly recommend The Ark as a tranquil, comfortable, excellently presented holiday haven. ”

David Lewis- 2026-04-11

3 / 20

“ The view from The Ark is exceptional. The instructions for arrival and how everything works were excellent. We had the most relaxing stay. ”

Heidi Morrow- 2026-03-18

4 / 20

“ Great location. Very good facilities with a bit of a Kiwi touch. Fun place to stay. ”

Michelle Lee- 2026-03-11

5 / 20

“ Lovely host, beautiful location and a wonderful place to stay at. Would come back any time. ”

Andrei Popovici- 2026-03-03

6 / 20

“ Fantastic location. Quirky, comfortable building. Private with good communication from host. Treats were much appreciated. ”

Laura Donaldson- 2026-02-18

7 / 20

“ We absolutely loved The Ark. The views were amazing, especially in the morning when the sun streams into Purau Bay. We are already planning our next visit back! ”

Jake Spinks- 2026-02-03

8 / 20

“ Lovely, peaceful setting in a unique environment. If you value stunning views, rest, and relaxation, this is your place. Highly recommend to couples wanting a break from city life. ”

Christine Smith- 2026-01-09

9 / 20

“ Super unique, beautiful views, and well stocked with all you need. Definitely recommend. ”

Helen Sheat- 2025-12-13

10 / 20

“ Magical place. Private location. Awesome views. ”

Leanne Vink- 2025-11-18

11 / 20

“ This was one of the best weekend breaks we have ever had. Waking up to the views over the bay and relaxing in the outdoor bath. It is one of the most relaxing places I have been. Highly recommend this incredible place. ”

Anita Harding- 2025-10-28

12 / 20

“ The Ark is such a tranquil, wonderful place to stay. We absolutely loved how peaceful and cosy it was. Even though it rained the entire time we stayed, it didn't hinder the experience at all and forced us to just relax and enjoy the view. Highly recommend. ”

Leif Park- 2025-10-10

13 / 20

“ A boat shaped cabin by the bay, where sunlight warms the waves at play. The breeze is soft, the sky is clear, each moment whispers peace is here. The water shimmers, calm and bright, the days drift golden into night, and in this haven, still, serene, it feels gentle, vast, and green. Thank you for the amazing stay at your beautiful cabin! ”

Chloe Worthington- 2025-09-29

14 / 20

“ Absolutely amazing spot for a chill out, and the big bonus is you get to bring your pooch. ”

Christine Smith- 2025-08-18

15 / 20

“ Loved our few nights away at The Ark. Such a beautifull spot to relax and recharge. ”

Kasey Le Lievre- 2025-06-18

16 / 20

“ This was a perfect get away break. The location, view and accommodation were amazing. ”

lucy harris- 2025-05-04

17 / 20

“ Great place to stay, super peaceful, awesome hosts. 10/10. ”

Jono Kumar- 2025-04-25

18 / 20

“ Immaculate accommodation in a stunning setting. Communication from Wendy was great, and she even went above and beyond to post back some forgotten belongings. Everything was perfect, and we would love to return to The Ark one day. ”

Bridget Pannett- 2025-02-25

19 / 20

“ Peace and quiet. Lots of detail in the accommodation. Very well thought out. Loved being able to walk on the track to Diamond Harbour. ”

Ruth Love-Smith- 2025-01-20

20 / 20

“ Beautiful area great to escape reality and relax. Also very central if you want to be adventurous and hit up Lyttelton and Akaroa. ”

Lucas Mcintyre- 2026-04-29

1 / 20

Scenic coastal landscape viewed through a golden tent opening, showing lush green hillside with forest line meeting turquoise ocean waters under clear blue sky

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